Mémoire d’Afrique — Ref. 257
Hornbill mask — Senufo, Côte d’Ivoire — African tribal art — Ref. 257
Description
This mask represents a hornbill, a sacred bird in the cosmogony of the Senufo, a people established in Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Burkina Faso. Used during Poro initiatory ceremonies, it symbolises wisdom, fertility and communication with the ancestors.
Made from carved wood, this mask has a long, finely decorated beak and is adorned with feathers, plant fibres and cowries, ritual elements that reinforce its sacred character. Its marked expression and carefully worked details attest to traditional craftsmanship.
In good condition, it shows a beautiful patina of use, with organic elements still well preserved.
Technical details
- Type of piece
- Masque
- Category
- Masks
- Ethnic group
- Sénoufo
- Country
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Materials
- wood, raffia, feathers, metal, fabric, caruis, poils, fibre végétale
- Dimensions
- H 102 × W 30 × D 30 cm
- Weight
- 3,7 kg
- Estimated dating
- second half 20th c.
- Laboratory test
- Not tested
- Reference
- 257